A prolegomenon on restraint of children: Implicating constitutional rights

News media and advocacy groups have brought to public attention a disturbin g number of recent deaths proximal to the use of physical restraints. This paper examines the evidence indicating that use of these procedures can be dangerous to patients; Explores the theoretical basis and practical applica tion of restraints; and argues not only that their use may be unethical as a therapeutic intervention, but that if may have constitutional implication s.